on the cards

USAGE SUMMARY

"on the cards" is correct and usable in written English.
It means something that is likely to happen or a probability of occurring. For example: "With the new vaccine on the cards, the situation might improve soon".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A new album on the cards?

Independent

But marriage is definitely on the cards.

The Guardian - Opinion

That is not on the cards.

The Economist

Another 8-3 was on the cards.

The Guardian - Sport

It wasn't really on the cards.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

World War Three is on the cards.

Independent

A deal seems on the cards.

The Economist

A repeat is not on the cards.

The Economist

Intervention was never on the cards.

The Economist

That is clearly not on the cards.

The Economist

'Gold is on the cards..

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on the cards", ensure the context clearly establishes what event or outcome is being considered as probable. This idiomatic phrase works best when the subject is already understood or has been previously mentioned.

Common error

Avoid using "on the cards" when describing something that is already confirmed or certain. The phrase indicates possibility, not certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the cards" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that something is probable or likely to occur. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples, demonstrating its role in describing potential future events or outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the idiomatic phrase "on the cards" is a versatile and frequently used expression indicating that something is likely or probable. Ludwig AI validates that the phrase is grammatically sound and widely employed across diverse contexts, including news, business, and general writing. While it doesn't denote certainty, it effectively communicates a reasonable expectation based on current information. When using "on the cards", ensure the context supports the implication of likelihood and avoid using it to describe events that are already confirmed. Alternatives such as "likely to happen" or "a distinct possibility" may offer nuanced substitutes depending on the specific meaning you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

likely to happen

Focuses on the probability of an event occurring.

quite probable

Emphasizes a high likelihood of occurrence.

in the realm of possibility

Emphasizes that something is possible, though not necessarily probable.

a distinct possibility

Highlights that there's a noteworthy chance of something happening.

expected to occur

Focuses on the expectation of a future event.

under consideration

Suggests something is being thought about and might be implemented.

potentially in the works

Indicates that preparations or planning are underway.

within the bounds of possibility

Stresses that something is not impossible.

in the pipeline

Indicates that something is in development or planned for future release.

anticipated

Suggests expectation and foresight.

FAQs

How can I use "on the cards" in a sentence?

You can use "on the cards" to indicate that something is likely or probable. For instance, "With the positive test results, a new treatment plan is "on the cards"."

What are some alternatives to saying "on the cards"?

Alternatives include phrases like "likely to happen", "a distinct possibility", or "expected to occur" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "on the cards" in formal writing?

Yes, "on the cards" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it might be more common in news or general writing than in strictly academic papers. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing.

What does "on the cards" imply about the certainty of an event?

"On the cards" suggests a reasonable likelihood or probability, but not a certainty. It indicates that something is possible and being considered, but the outcome is not yet guaranteed.